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In the late 1980s, I was beginning a budget travel adventure to Europe with a travel partner. Because my travel mate was exploring enrolling in graduate studies in the Big Apple, we had booked a 14-day stopover there on the way to London.

We reached the postgrad residence, a big 10-storey building on the UWS named International House. After dropping our bags, we made our way to the cafeteria, where we picked up meals, took a seat, and engaged in conversation with other diners.

Sitting next to me was an Iraqi man studying engineering at a prestigious New York university. He inquired what I my profession was, and I shared that I had newly finished with a degree in science and had been conducting research using an electron microscope.

He pointed out that there was an electron microscope unit at Columbia University – close to the engineering faculty, which was why he was aware of it. He suggested that I should apply for a position with them. I chuckled at the suggestion, telling him that I was soon departing to Europe and, even more importantly, I didn’t have a US visa.

The next day I ventured out, coming back to the dining hall that after dark. The Iraqi student approached me and informed me that he had organized a discussion for me with the director of the microscopy lab at Columbia. Because he had taken the effort, I went to the meeting – but immediately explained to my interviewer that I was without a work permit, so I was probably wasting her time.

As is common in NYC – a place where opportunities abound – she responded: “We can make that happen. How soon can you begin?” I missed my plane to London.

I worked there for a trio of years. One of the benefits was that I was granted no-cost classes at Columbia, and I took advantage to earn a postgrad program in international relations.

I lost touch with him and I can't recall his name, but his remarkable generosity changed my life in numerous aspects. I didn't possess the confidence or self-belief to reach out at an Ivy League university and seek a position. Moreover, I had consistently hoped to study abroad, but could never have afforded it without that free tuition.

Critically, that job in New York resulted in a role in Europe where I got to know my beautiful French husband, with whom I currently share a family of four kids. That encounter altered everything. That kind stranger set me on a different course in life, and I’m eternally thankful.

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